SynopsisIn this week’s TrendMap, ET Wealth compares seven asset baskets. Portfolios with gold have delivered a notable return boost in recent years, while those with no gold exposure have lagged. For better portfolio outcomes, investors should avoid being swayed by the performance of any single asset class. Experts recommend diversification through prudent asset allocation. What then is the best combination? The answer will vary, as every investor’s ideal asset allocation is different. By Sameer Bhardwaj.Equity leads long-term gains, diversification adds resiliencePortfolios with higher allocations to gold have delivered superior returns in 2026 so far, while those with a heavier equity bias have lagged. The results highlight the value of diversification. The portfolio with an equal allocation to equity, debt and gold tops the rankings, followed by those with substantial exposure to gold. Gold’s strong performance has been driven by height ened global uncertainty, currency volatil ity, and concerns over inflation and fiscal sustainability. In contrast, equity-heavy portfolios have underperformed. This does not necessarily signal weakness in India’s economic fundamentals; rather, it reflects headwinds such as foreign institutional out flows, elevated valuations, rupee weakness, and concerns over global trade and crude oil prices. Debt has provided stability, but its contribution has not been sufficient to offset gold’s outperformance. As a result, the portfolio with no exposure to gold is at the bottom of the performance rankings.